You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 621

Mr. Padilla liked to be in control. Anyone could see it from the way he planted Aiden by Patricia’s side, as if no one else could be trusted. But Aiden was the new guy—he just didn’t have the same rhythm as Jackson, who’d been with Patricia for eight years. Most days, it was Jackson who stuck close, always within arm’s reach, always looking out for her.

His loyalty was to Patricia, not Mr. Padilla, and he definitely didn’t feel the need to report every little thing. Like yesterday, when Tina hurt Patricia—Jackson kept that to himself. And when Mr. Padilla called him in all frazzled this morning, it was clear he just wanted to find out who was to blame.

But with Patricia caught in the middle, Jackson stayed quiet.

That was why Mr. Padilla had thrown out that line: “Eight years, huh?” He wasn’t being sentimental. He was calculating, probably weighing whether it was time to get rid of Jackson, and if letting him go would mess things up between him and Patricia.

Then came that speech about the finance program at Riverdale College. Was he hinting that Jackson should step aside on his own?

Jackson rubbed his temple, feeling a headache coming on. The man had a million schemes up his sleeve.

“What’s up with you? You look spooked. If something’s wrong, just tell me!” Aiden’s voice broke through his thoughts. He was sitting across the table, looking genuinely worried.

Jackson glanced at him and sighed. “You wouldn’t understand.”

So clueless.

That morning, Jackson drove Patricia to the office. He was distracted the whole time, replaying Mr. Padilla’s words in his head.

“Jackson!”

Patricia’s sharp voice yanked him back to reality.

He shot up from his chair and hurried in. “Yes, ma’am?”

“Come here.” She waved him over.

He stepped up to her desk.

She studied him closely. “What’s going on? You’re miles away.”

“Nothing.” He kept his face calm. Some things just weren’t meant to be said—not when it might stir up trouble between a husband and wife.

“Really?” Patricia didn’t buy it.

Jackson shook his head, serious. “Really.”

Patricia raised an eyebrow. “So why do I have to call your name a hundred times before you even notice me?”

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